Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has conducted Express Entry draw #388, making it the sixth Express Entry draw of December 2025. In this round, IRCC has issued 6,000 ITAs to candidates with French-language proficiency. The draw recorded a Comprehensive Ranking System cut-off score of 399, marking one of the lowest CRS thresholds seen in 2025 and highlighting Canada’s continued emphasis on category-based selection.

To be eligible for this draw, candidates were required to have created their Express Entry profile before 11:43 p.m. UTC on August 24, 2025, in addition to meeting the minimum CRS score.

Key Highlights from the Latest Express Entry Draw #388

This French-language proficiency draw stands out not only for its low CRS cut-off but also for its scale. Issuing 6,000 invitations in a single round reflects IRCC’s intention to accelerate admissions in targeted categories before the end of the year.

Key details include:

• Draw type: French-language proficiency
• Invitations issued: 6,000
• CRS cut-off score: 399
• Tie-breaking date: August 24, 2025

For many candidates with strong French skills, this draw represents a rare opportunity to receive an ITA without the higher CRS scores often required in other categories.

Why the CRS Dropped Below 400

A CRS cut-off below 400 is uncommon in most Express Entry categories. However, category-based draws allow IRCC to select candidates based on specific attributes rather than overall ranking alone.

In French-language proficiency draws, candidates benefit from:

• Bonus CRS points for French ability
• Lower competition compared to general draws
• Priority alignment with Canada’s Francophone immigration objectives

This approach supports population growth in Francophone minority communities across Canada while helping employers meet labour demands.

Express Entry Trends So Far in 2025

As of this draw, IRCC has issued 117,998 ITAs through the Express Entry system in 2025. The distribution of invitations highlights a clear emphasis on targeted selection rather than all-program rounds.

Number of draws by category in 2025:

• Provincial Nominee Program: 23
• Canadian Experience Class: 15
• French-language proficiency: 9
• Healthcare and social services: 6
• Education: 2
• Trade: 1

French-language draws now represent a significant share of Express Entry invitations this year.

French-Language Candidates Lead ITA Totals

Among all categories, candidates selected under the French-language proficiency draws have received the highest number of invitations in 2025.

ITAs issued by category so far:

• French-language proficiency: 48,000
• Canadian Experience Class: 36,850
• Healthcare and social services: 13,500
• Provincial Nominee Program: 9,775
• Education: 3,500
• Trade: 1,250

These figures confirm that strong French skills remain one of the most effective advantages in the Express Entry system.

What This Draw Means for Candidates

For French-speaking candidates, this draw sends a clear message: language ability can significantly outweigh CRS score limitations. Candidates with mid-range profiles who may struggle in Canadian Experience Class or PNP draws now have a competitive alternative.

At the same time, the frequency of December draws suggests IRCC is actively working through its annual admission targets, potentially paving the way for continued category-based invitations into early 2026.

The sixth Express Entry draw of December 2025, issuing 6,000 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 399, highlights IRCC’s strong preference for targeted immigration pathways. French-language proficiency candidates continue to benefit from lower CRS thresholds and higher invitation volumes, making this category one of the most strategic routes to permanent residence. For profile evaluation, CRS strategy, and category-based Express Entry guidance, ImmigCanada immigration consulting services provides expert support from a trusted immigration consultant in Canada.